Gladys Leota Cook
Gladys Leota Butler Cook, affectionately known as Leota by her loved ones, lived a vibrant and full life characterized by her warmth, intelligence, sense of humor and unwavering care for her family. Born on July 26, 1945, in Giles County, Virginia, Leota's journey began as a beacon of joy that would shine brightly for nearly eight decades. Her life's chapter came to a peaceful close on March 29, 2025, under the care of Pulaski Health and Rehab, surrounded by the love of her family.
Leota was the cherished matriarch of a family that adored her deeply. She is survived by her devoted daughters, Dawn Bennett and her husband Roger, and Tonya Williams. Her legacy continues through her beloved grandchildren, Amber Rose and her husband Billy, and James David "JD" Robertson and his wife Angel. Leota's joy was multiplied with the arrival of her great-grandchildren, Brooklyn Elizabeth Robertson, Joey Dale Phillips, Adley Jeanette Robertson, and Ivy Mae Robertson. She also leaves behind her sister, Sharon Camper and her husband Mark, as well as several treasured nieces and nephews.. Leota was preceded in death by her parents, Luther and Thelma St. Clair Butler, her husband, Bobby Lee Cook, her sisters, Janice Dennewitz, Ruth Collins, and Anna Jo Belcher, and her brothers, Luther Butler and Eugene Butler.
Leota's academic pursuits culminated in an Associate's Degree, after which she embarked on a fulfilling career as an executive secretary at Virginia Tech in both the English Department and the Humanities Department, where she remained for 25 years until her retirement. She made many lasting friendships with both faculty and staff while employed at Virginia Tech. Her professional dedication was matched by her involvement in her community and church, where she was a familiar and friendly face to many.
Beyond her professional and community commitments, Leota's heart was truly at home. She cultivated a life rich in simple pleasures; she found joy in family time, losing herself in the pages of a good book, exploring new destinations through travel, nurturing her garden, listening to country music, solving puzzles, cooking and occasionally enjoying the thrill of playing the slot machines with her family.
Leota's love for gardening was reflected in the beauty of her well-tended flower beds which she generously shared with family and friends. Her culinary skills were legendary, and family gatherings were often centered around the delicious meals she prepared with love. Reading was a favorite pastime. Traveling provided her with cherished memories and stories that she would recount with sparkling eyes and animated gestures.
The family will receive friends at a time of visitation on Saturday, April 5, 2025 from 11:00 AM until 12:00 PM in Kendall Funeral Home. A funeral service will be conducted on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 12:00 PM in Kendall Funeral Home with Pastor Gary Poff officiating. Funeral Services will conclude in the Fillinger Cemetery in Pembroke, Virginia where she will be laid to rest. A guestbook is available to send condolences to the family by visiting www.kendallfuneralhome.com. The staff of Kendall Funeral Home are honored to serve the Cook family.
